self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
Definition of self-reliancenext
as in independence
the ability to care for one's self some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-reliance To protect China from foreign supply risks, Xi made energy self-reliance a part of the country’s latest five-year plan. — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 Their source was the collective enthusiasm of a population that had gone into revolution—a revolution forming committees of social self-reliance in every field. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The music superstar grew up steeped in the ethic of self-reliance. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Traditional ideas about masculinity continue to prize self-reliance, emotional control, and endurance. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
  1. independence
  2. autonomy
  3. self-sufficiency
Noun
  • Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel's international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel’s international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary.
    — Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • The jet’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rooted in feminism and unfolding against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, the works consider flesh and the human body with brutal honesty, viewing them as vessels for trauma, mortality, and political autonomy.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • But despite its leaders’ newfound interest in self-sufficiency, Europe remains dependent on the United States.
    — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • On her modest bookshelf, Gurdon already had useful models of self-sufficiency.
    — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-sufficiency

Browse Nearby Words

self-regulating
self-reliance
self-reliant
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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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